Elaine Rexdale’s ‘Eye Candy’ to be featured in Ray Frederick Gallery

September 9, 2017

MARSHALLTOWN Illinois artist Elaine Shepherd Rexdale will kick off the new academic year as the first featured artist in the Ray Frederick Gallery, room 306, on the Marshalltown Community College campus. Her exhibit, entitled "Eye Candy," iwill be on display through noon Friday, Sept. 29.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of MCC's Ray Frederick Gallery.

"I officially began my love affair with painting by secretly responding to a 'Draw Me' newspaper ad when I was nine years old," Rexdale admits. "However, most of my art has come later in life. People and events such as art teachers, art competitions, and brochure designing have nurtured my creative spirit."

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Illinois artist Elaine Shepherd Rexdale will be this year’s first featured artist in the Ray Frederick Gallery.-Photo Provided

Rexdale, a native of Rock Island, IL, worked for 35 years in early childhood education. She says life took her to an army base in Louisiana, a large hospital in New York, and volunteer work in Florida, but she has returned home to Illinois.

"The experience of working in early childhood education has probably influenced my art more than any other experience," says Rexdale. "My morning painting sessions begin with fresh coffee followed by bold lines and intense colors on the canvas. I like black and white, but use them sparingly as highlights. I add free movement and detail as appropriate. I have no favorite tools everything is a possibility to use for painting. Sometimes I follow artistic rules, and sometimes I break the rules. I do what the canvas asks to create a story or feeling."

She adds that when she's not at the easel she plays competitive billiards.

Rexdale has participated in multiple juried group exhibitions as well as several solo art exhibits. Her work is regularly exhibited at The Geneseo Art League & Gallery (Geneseo, IL), Sanders' Chiropractice Office and Jaded Java Coffee House (both in East Moline, IL), and Bubble Tea (Moline, IL). Her artwork is held in private collections in 12 states.

The Ray Frederick Gallery is open weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information contact MCC Art Professor Tim Castle at 641-844-5776 or Tim.Castle@iavalley.edu.